Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | May 17, 2024

“I have regarded My people”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Samuel 9:11-17.  Here is a link to this Scripture – 1 Samuel 9 NASB1995 – – Bible Gateway

I quote only the following verses.

“Now a day before Saul’s coming, the LORD had revealed this to Samuel saying, “About this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you shall anoint him to be prince over My people Israel;  and he will deliver My people from the hand of the Philistines.  For I have regarded My people, because their cry has come to Me.”  When Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said to him, “Behold, the man of whom I spoke to you!  This one shall rule over My people.”  1 Samuel 9:11-17.

————–

It is interesting to compare the soft words, so to speak, of how the LORD commissioned Samuel to anoint Saul in today’s Scripture compared to the hard words, so to speak, of how the LORD described the request of Israel for a king in the prior chapter. 

First, in today’s Scripture, the LORD seems to favorably refer to Saul as “prince” in verse 16, rather than harshly as a king in the prior chapter.  Second, in today’s Scripture, the LORD referred to the good that Saul would do in delivering the people from the Philistines, rather than all the bad that a king would do in taking away all that was good in persons and property from Israel for his own use as He warned Israel in the prior chapter (1 Samuel 8:10-18).  Third, in today’s Scripture, the LORD said He “regarded My people, because their cry has come to Me”, rather than saying “they have rejected Me from being king over them” as He did in the prior chapter (1 Samuel 8:7).

This difference in choice of words leads us meditate on how the LORD can cause all things, even sin, to work together for the good of His people.  We notice from today’s Scripture that three times the LORD refers to “My people”, including stating “I have regarded My people”.

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.  For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;  and these whom He predestined, He also called;  and these whom He called, He also justified;  and these whom He justified, He also glorified.

What then shall we say to these things?  If God is for us, who is against us?  He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?  Who will bring a charge against God’s elect?  God is the one who justifies;  who is the one who condemns?  Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.”  Romans 8:28-34. 

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | May 16, 2024

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Samuel 9:1-10.

“Now there was a man of Benjamin whose name was Kish the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Becorath, the son of Aphiah, the son of a Benjamite, a mighty man of valor.  He had a son whose name was Saul, a choice and handsome man, and there was not a more handsome person than he among the sons of Israel;  from his shoulders and up he was taller than any of the people.

Now the donkeys of Kish, Saul’s father, were lost. So Kish said to his son Saul, “Take now with you one of the servants, and arise, go search for the donkeys.”  He passed through the hill country of Ephraim and passed through the land of Shalishah, but they did not find them.  Then they passed through the land of Shaalim, but they were not there.  Then he passed through the land of the Benjamites, but they did not find them.

When they came to the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant who was with him, “Come, and let us return, or else my father will cease to be concerned about the donkeys and will become anxious for us.”  He said to him, “Behold now, there is a man of God in this city, and the man is held in honor;  all that he says surely comes true.  Now let us go there, perhaps he can tell us about our journey on which we have set out.”  Then Saul said to his servant, “But behold, if we go, what shall we bring the man?  For the bread is gone from our sack and there is no present to bring to the man of God.  What do we have?”  The servant answered Saul again and said, “Behold, I have in my hand a fourth of a shekel of silver;  I will give it to the man of God and he will tell us our way.”  (Formerly in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, he used to say, “Come, and let us go to the seer”;  for he who is called a prophet now was formerly called a seer.)  Then Saul said to his servant, “Well said;  come, let us go.”  So they went to the city where the man of God was.”   1 Samuel 9:1-10.

——————–

First, we are surprised how inept Saul was who would become Israel’s first king, particularly because Scripture describes Saul as “a choice and handsome man, and there was not a more handsome person than he among the sons of Israel;  from his shoulders and up he was taller than any of the people.  Verse 2.  

But, Saul could not even successfully accomplish his father’s simple mission to find his father’s donkeys.  How could Saul be king?

And, Saul gave up.  “When they came to the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant who was with him, “Come, and let us return, or else my father will cease to be concerned about the donkeys and will become anxious for us.”  Verse 5.  How could Saul be king?

Saul could not think of a solution. Saul’s servant had to think of a solution.  Saul’s servant suggested that they consult with a man of God.  How could Saul be king?

Saul did not have anything to give to the man of God to get his help finding the donkeys.  Saul’s servant had to also think of another solution and to also provide what was needed.  Saul’s servant said:  “Behold, I have in my hand a fourth of a shekel of silver;  I will give it to the man of God and he will tell us our way.”  How could Saul be king? 

“16 The king is not saved by a mighty army;
A warrior is not delivered by great strength.
17 A horse is a false hope for victory;
Nor does it deliver anyone by its great strength.

18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him,
On those who hope for His lovingkindness,
19 To deliver their soul from death
And to keep them alive in famine.” Psalm 33:16-19.

Second, and most importantly, if it seems right to ask a man of God so that “he will tell us our way”, then why not trust God Himself to “tell us our way”?!  Why is there a need for any king for Israel? 

Thus, the main point of this devotion is to lead us us to meditate on how we too today should trust God to guide us and to provide for us what we need.

“Ask, and it will be given to you;  seek, and you will find;  knock, and it will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.  Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone?  Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he?  If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!”  Matthew 7:7-11.

“8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go;
I will counsel you with My eye upon you.
9 Do not be as the horse or as the mule which have no understanding,
Whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check,
Otherwise they will not come near to you.
10 Many are the sorrows of the wicked,
But he who trusts in the LORD, lovingkindness shall surround him.
11 Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous ones;
And shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart.” Psalm 32:8-11.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | May 15, 2024

“I am the LORD your God, who teaches you to profit, Who leads you in the way you should go.”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Samuel 8:10-22.

“So Samuel spoke all the words of the LORD to the people who had asked of him a king.  He said, “This will be the procedure of the king who will reign over you:  he will take your sons and place them for himself in his chariots and among his horsemen and they will run before his chariots.  He will appoint for himself commanders of thousands and of fifties, and some to do his plowing and to reap his harvest and to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots.  He will also take your daughters for perfumers and cooks and bakers.  He will take the best of your fields and your vineyards and your olive groves and give them to his servants.  He will take a tenth of your seed and of your vineyards and give to his officers and to his servants.  He will also take your male servants and your female servants and your best young men and your donkeys and use them for his work.  He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his servants.  Then you will cry out in that day because of your king whom you have chosen for yourselves, but the LORD will not answer you in that day.”

Nevertheless, the people refused to listen to the voice of Samuel, and they said, “No, but there shall be a king over us, that we also may be like all the nations, that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles.”  Now after Samuel had heard all the words of the people, he repeated them in the LORD’S hearing.  The LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to their voice and appoint them a king.”  So Samuel said to the men of Israel, “Go every man to his city.”  1 Samuel 8:10-22.

—————

“17 Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel,

“I am the LORD your God, who teaches you to profit,
Who leads you in the way you should go.
18 “If only you had paid attention to My commandments!
Then your well-being would have been like a river,
And your righteousness like the waves of the sea.
19 “Your descendants would have been like the sand,
And your offspring like its grains;
Their name would never be cut off or destroyed from My presence.” Isaiah 48:17-19.

“… But to this one I will look,
To him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word.” Isaiah 66:2.

“The LORD favors those who fear Him,
Those who wait for His lovingkindness.” Psalm 147:11.

“5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.” Proverbs 3:5-7.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | May 14, 2024

“they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being king over them.”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Samuel 8:1-9.

“And it came about when Samuel was old that he appointed his sons judges over Israel.  Now the name of his firstborn was Joel, and the name of his second, Abijah;  they were judging in Beersheba.  His sons, however, did not walk in his ways, but turned aside after dishonest gain and took bribes and perverted justice.

Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah;  and they said to him, “Behold, you have grown old, and your sons do not walk in your ways.  Now appoint a king for us to judge us like all the nations.”  But the thing was displeasing in the sight of Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.”  And Samuel prayed to the LORD.  The LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in regard to all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being king over them.  Like all the deeds which they have done since the day that I brought them up from Egypt even to this day—in that they have forsaken Me and served other gods—so they are doing to you also.  Now then, listen to their voice;  however, you shall solemnly warn them and tell them of the procedure of the king who will reign over them.”  1 Samuel 8:1-9.

——————–    

Leaders in a church may get dismayed or discouraged, because the size of the congregation is small. They may think the following. Maybe, the preacher is not eloquent or persuasive enough. Maybe, a certain doctrine is preached too sharply. Maybe, the goal of preaching and teaching and programs should not be the best expression of the truth, but rather the goal should be changed in order for preaching and teaching and programs to be the best “seeker sensitive” in order to attract more.   

Today’s Scripture can provide encouragement to stay on course to have the goal of having preaching and teaching and programs that are the best expression of the truth.  “The LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in regard to all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being king over them.” Verse 7.  

“God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:24.

“For many are called, but few are chosen.” Matthew 22:14.

“And someone said to Him, “Lord, are there just a few who are being saved?” And He said to them, “Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” Luke 13:23-24.

In other words, people will not believe and become disciples unless the LORD has elected them for salvation and made them spiritually alive and given them justifying faith and all the other saving gifts.  

Jesus taught:  “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him;  and I will raise him up on the last day.”  John 6:44.

In spite of Jesus Himself doing the preaching and doing miracles in addition, many did not follow Him.  “And He was saying, “For this reason I have said to you, that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted him from the Father.”  As a result of this many of His disciples withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore.”  John 6:65-66.

Reformed Doctrine teaches us that man’s condition corrupted by the fall of Adam (through Adam’s sin) is a condition of “Total Depravity”, the “T” of “TULIP”,  the Five Points of Calvinism, the Reformed Doctrine of Salvation, as more fully taught in the Reformed Confession called Canons of Dordt.

We were “dead” in sin.  Ephesians 2:1-5.    We were hostile to God.  Romans 8:7 and Colossians 1:21.  We were in bondage to sin.  Romans 7:14-15.

“10 as it is written,

“THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE;
11 THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS,
THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD;
12 ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS;
THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD,
THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE.” Romans 3:10-12.

The fallen condition of man is not that we are just affected or injured by the presence of sin.  Rather,  “… you were dead in your trespasses and sins,”  Ephesians 2:1.

But, there is hope!

The LORD has unconditionally elected some for salvation.  This is “Unconditional Election”,  the “U” of “TULIP”.

Consider the following from the Canons of Dordt in the section titled FIRST HEAD OF DOCTRINE Of Divine Predestination.

Article 7.  Election is the unchangeable purpose of God, whereby, before the foundation of the world, he hath out of mere grace, according to the sovereign good pleasure of his own will, chosen, from the whole human race, which had fallen through their own fault, from their primitive state of rectitude, into sin and destruction, a certain number of persons to redemption in Christ, whom he from eternity appointed the Mediator and Head of the elect, and the foundation of Salvation.

This elect number, though by nature neither better nor more deserving than the others, but with them involved in one common misery, God hath decreed to give to Christ, to be saved by him, and effectually to call and draw them to his communion by his Word and Spirit, to bestow upon them true faith, justification and sanctification;  and having powerfully preserved them in the fellowship of his Son, finally, to glorify them for the demonstration of his mercy, and for the praise of his glorious grace;   … 

For those elect, and only the elect, the LORD has delivered His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for them.  This is the “Limited Atonement”, the “L” of “TULIP”.   

Consider the following from the Canons of Dordt in the section titled SECOND HEAD OF DOCTRINE Of the Death of Christ, and the Redemption of Men Thereby.

Article 8.  For this was the sovereign counsel, and most gracious will and purpose of God the Father, that the quickening and saving efficacy of the most precious death of his Son should extend to all the elect, for bestowing upon them alone the gift of justifying faith, thereby to bring them infallibly to salvation:  that is, it was the will of God, that Christ by the blood of the cross, whereby he confirmed the new covenant, should effectually redeem out of every people, tribe, nation, and language, all those, and those only, who were from eternity chosen to salvation, and given to him by the Father;  that he should confer upon them faith, which together with all the other saving gifts of the Holy Spirit, he purchased for them by his death;  should purge them from all sin, both original and actual, whether committed before or after believing;  and having faithfully preserved them even to the end, should at last bring them free from every spot and blemish to the enjoyment of glory in his own presence forever.

“And when I came to you, brethren, I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God.  For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.  I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling, and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.”  1 Corinthians 2:1-5.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | May 13, 2024

“Then Samuel took a stone and … named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the LORD has helped us.”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Samuel 7:12-17.

“Then Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpah and Shen, and named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the LORD has helped us.”  So the Philistines were subdued and they did not come anymore within the border of Israel.  And the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel.  The cities which the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored to Israel, from Ekron even to Gath;  and Israel delivered their territory from the hand of the Philistines.  So there was peace between Israel and the Amorites.

Now Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life.  He used to go annually on circuit to Bethel and Gilgal and Mizpah, and he judged Israel in all these places.  Then his return was to Ramah, for his house was there, and there he judged Israel;  and he built there an altar to the LORD.”  1 Samuel 7:12-17.

——————-

At different times, we see the people of Israel set up a stone or more stones to memorialize an event in which the LORD helped them.  The stones helped them remember the event and help build their faith in the LORD.  The stones also remind them to give thanks and praise to the LORD for His help.  The following is an example when the people of Israel set up stones as a memorial of when the LORD miraculously helped them cross the Jordan.

“Let this be a sign among you, so that when your children ask later, saying, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ then you shall say to them, ‘Because the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD;  when it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off.’  So these stones shall become a memorial to the sons of Israel forever.”  Joshua 4:6-7.

When you hike through a wilderness, particularly out west, you may see a stack of stones.  The persons who placed them may have different motives, but one common motive is to help fellow hikers by giving them a navigational marker to help them stay on a trail.  

So to speak, what stones have you set up to remind you and others of God’s help?

As one example, I write these Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions as my stones to remind myself and others of God’s help.  Often, you will read an exclamation in them such as “But, there is hope!“

The origin of these Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions were “Letters to Harry” written mostly during the early 1990’s, about my meditations on God’s Word and my attempts to apply it to my struggles in life during that time.  If or when you may want to read these “Letters to Harry” now labeled “Gold Mining”, you may click the “Gold Mining” Headnote link or page at the top of my web site.  Here is a direct link –  Gold Mining

God’s words are better than gold.

“7 The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul;
The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether.
10 They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover, by them Your servant is warned;
In keeping them there is great reward.” Psalm 19:7-11.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | May 12, 2024

“For the LORD will not abandon His people on account of His great name”

Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | May 10, 2024

“He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Samuel 7:1-4.

“And the men of Kiriath-jearim came and took the ark of the LORD and brought it into the house of Abinadab on the hill, and consecrated Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the LORD.  From the day that the ark remained at Kiriath-jearim, the time was long, for it was twenty years;  and all the house of Israel lamented after the LORD.

Then Samuel spoke to all the house of Israel, saying, “If you return to the LORD with all your heart, remove the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from among you and direct your hearts to the LORD and serve Him alone;  and He will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines.”  So the sons of Israel removed the Baals and the Ashtaroth and served the LORD alone.”  1 Samuel 7:1-4.

————-

Today’s devotion leads us to meditate on repentance.

“12 “Yet even now,” declares the LORD,
“Return to Me with all your heart,
And with fasting, weeping and mourning;
13 And rend your heart and not your garments.”
Now return to the LORD your God,
For He is gracious and compassionate,
Slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness
And relenting of evil.
14 Who knows whether He will not turn and relent
And leave a blessing behind Him,
Even a grain offering and a drink offering
For the LORD your God?” Joel 2:12-14.

But, there is hope!

Repentance is a gift of God to His elect.

“The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,” 2 Timothy 2:24-25.

Consider the following from the Canons of Dordt in the section titled FIFTH HEAD OF DOCTRINE Of the Perseverance of the Saints in which it is stated in regards to the elect:  “by his Word and Spirit, certainly and effectually renews them to repentance”.

Article 6.  But God, who is rich in mercy, according to his unchangeable purpose of election, does not wholly withdraw the Holy Spirit from his own people, even in their melancholy falls;  nor suffers them to proceed so far as to lose the grace of adoption, and forfeit the state of justification, or to commit sins unto death;  nor does he permit them to be totally deserted, and to plunge themselves into everlasting destruction.

Article 7.  For in the first place, in these falls he preserves them in the incorruptible seed of regeneration from perishing, or being totally lost;  and again, by his Word and Spirit, certainly and effectually renews them to repentance, to a sincere and godly sorrow for their sins, that they may seek and obtain remission in the blood of the Mediator, may again experience the favor of a reconciled God, through faith adore his mercies, and henceforward more diligently work out their own salvation with fear and trembling.

“He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.”  Acts 5:31.

“When they heard this, they quieted down and glorified God, saying, “Well then, God has granted to the Gentiles also the repentance that leads to life.”  Acts 11:18.

“18 Then the LORD will be zealous for His land
And will have pity on His people.
19 The LORD will answer and say to His people,
“Behold, I am going to send you grain, new wine and oil,
And you will be satisfied in full with them;
And I will never again make you a reproach among the nations.
20 “But I will remove the northern army far from you,
And I will drive it into a parched and desolate land,
And its vanguard into the eastern sea,
And its rear guard into the western sea.
And its stench will arise and its foul smell will come up,
For it has done great things.”

21 Do not fear, O land, rejoice and be glad,
For the LORD has done great things.” Joel 2:18-21.

“23 So rejoice, O sons of Zion,
And be glad in the LORD your God;
For He has given you the early rain for your vindication.
And He has poured down for you the rain,
The early and latter rain as before.
24 The threshing floors will be full of grain,
And the vats will overflow with the new wine and oil.” Joel 2:23-24.

“26 “You will have plenty to eat and be satisfied
And praise the name of the LORD your God,
Who has dealt wondrously with you;
Then My people will never be put to shame.
27 “Thus you will know that I am in the midst of Israel,
And that I am the LORD your God,
And there is no other;
And My people will never be put to shame.” Joel 2:26-27.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | May 9, 2024

“Who is able to stand before the LORD, this holy God?”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Samuel 6:13-21.

“Now the people of Beth-shemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley, and they raised their eyes and saw the ark and were glad to see it.  The cart came into the field of Joshua the Beth-shemite and stood there where there was a large stone;  and they split the wood of the cart and offered the cows as a burnt offering to the LORD.  The Levites took down the ark of the LORD and the box that was with it, in which were the articles of gold, and put them on the large stone;  and the men of Beth-shemesh offered burnt offerings and sacrificed sacrifices that day to the LORD.  When the five lords of the Philistines saw it, they returned to Ekron that day.

These are the golden tumors which the Philistines returned for a guilt offering to the LORD:  one for Ashdod, one for Gaza, one for Ashkelon, one for Gath, one for Ekron;  and the golden mice, according to the number of all the cities of the Philistines belonging to the five lords, both of fortified cities and of country villages.  The large stone on which they set the ark of the LORD is a witness to this day in the field of Joshua the Beth-shemite.

He struck down some of the men of Beth-shemesh because they had looked into the ark of the LORD.  He struck down of all the people, 50,070 men, and the people mourned because the LORD had struck the people with a great slaughter.  The men of Beth-shemesh said, “Who is able to stand before the LORD, this holy God?  And to whom shall He go up from us?”  So they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kiriath-jearim, saying, “The Philistines have brought back the ark of the LORD;  come down and take it up to you.”  1 Samuel 6:13-21.

————–

One could think that the LORD would generally be pleased with what the people of Beth-shemesh did.  First, they “raised their eyes and saw the ark and were glad to see it.”  Verse 13.  Second, they “offered burnt offerings and sacrificed sacrifices that day to the LORD.”  Verse 15.

But, we read the following.  “He (the LORD) struck down some of the men of Beth-shemesh because they had looked into the ark of the LORD.  He struck down of all the people, 50,070 men, and the people mourned because the LORD had struck the people with a great slaughter.  The men of Beth-shemesh said, “Who is able to stand before the LORD, this holy God?  And to whom shall He go up from us?”  Verses 19 and 20.

The lesson for us today is that we need to beware of thinking that we are doing a favor to the LORD that He will surely like and reward us for whatever we want to do in our worship of Him.

Or, to put it another way, no one can stand before the LORD, this holy God unless the LORD, this holy God, provides all that is needed to stand before Him.  

“For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” Romans 8:6-8.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9.

Salvation is a work of God alone, by grace alone. God handles all the points of salvation from beginning to end: from the beginning of “Unconditional Election” through “Limited Atonement” through “Irresistible Grace” to the end of “Preservation of the Saints”, the “U”, “L”, “I”, and “P” of “TULIP”, the Five Points of Calvinism, the Reformed Doctrine of Salvation. (The “T” of “TULIP” represents “Total Depravity” of man). This true doctrine of salvation is more fully taught in the Reformed Confession called Canons of Dordt.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him.  In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.”  Ephesians 1:3-6. 

“For who regards you as superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?” 1 Corinthians 4:7.

“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever.  Amen.”  Jude 1:24-25.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | May 8, 2024

“God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus.”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Samuel 6:1-12.

“Now the ark of the LORD had been in the country of the Philistines seven months.  And the Philistines called for the priests and the diviners, saying, “What shall we do with the ark of the LORD?  Tell us how we shall send it to its place.”  They said, “If you send away the ark of the God of Israel, do not send it empty;  but you shall surely return to Him a guilt offering.  Then you will be healed and it will be known to you why His hand is not removed from you.”  Then they said, “What shall be the guilt offering which we shall return to Him?”  And they said, “Five golden tumors and five golden mice according to the number of the lords of the Philistines, for one plague was on all of you and on your lords.  So you shall make likenesses of your tumors and likenesses of your mice that ravage the land, and you shall give glory to the God of Israel;  perhaps He will ease His hand from you, your gods, and your land.  Why then do you harden your hearts as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts?  When He had severely dealt with them, did they not allow the people to go, and they departed?  Now therefore, take and prepare a new cart and two milch cows on which there has never been a yoke;  and hitch the cows to the cart and take their calves home, away from them.  Take the ark of the LORD and place it on the cart;  and put the articles of gold which you return to Him as a guilt offering in a box by its side.  Then send it away that it may go.  Watch, if it goes up by the way of its own territory to Beth-shemesh, then He has done us this great evil.  But if not, then we will know that it was not His hand that struck us;  it happened to us by chance.”

Then the men did so, and took two milch cows and hitched them to the cart, and shut up their calves at home.  They put the ark of the LORD on the cart, and the box with the golden mice and the likenesses of their tumors.  And the cows took the straight way in the direction of Beth-shemesh;  they went along the highway, lowing as they went, and did not turn aside to the right or to the left.  And the lords of the Philistines followed them to the border of Beth-shemesh.”  1 Samuel 6:1-12.

———————-

The Philistines were focused on doing what they could to appease God to try to motivate God to stop His plague against them.

“So you shall make likenesses of your tumors and likenesses of your mice that ravage the land, and you shall give glory to the God of Israel;  perhaps He will ease His hand from you, your gods, and your land.”  Verse 5.

There was no evidence that they felt guilty and were repentant for their wickedness such as their worship of Dagon or what they did to Israel. 

But, to a certain extent they did fear the LORD enough to do what they did.  Only God knows the secrets of their heart.  Only God will judge them righteously both temporarily during their lives on earth and eternally after their death.  

Today’s Scripture leads us to meditate on the following Scriptures.  

“There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek, but glory and honor and peace to everyone who does good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.  For there is no partiality with God.

For all who have sinned without the Law will also perish without the Law, and all who have sinned under the Law will be judged by the Law;  for it is not the hearers of the Law who are just before God, but the doers of the Law will be justified.  For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves, in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them, on the day when, according to my gospel, God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus.”  Romans 2:9-16.

“Treat others the same way you want them to treat you.  If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?  For even sinners love those who love them.  If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you?  For even sinners do the same.  If you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you?  Even sinners lend to sinners in order to receive back the same amount.  But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return;  and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High;  for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men.  Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”  Matthew 7:31-36.

Although it is possible that the LORD may have eased up His hand against the Philistines by at least not continuing the plague against them, and so to speak using the language above was “kind to ungrateful and evil men”, that does not necessarily mean that He forgave them or that He would not punish them later during their time on earth or that He would not punish them eternally after their death. 

“The conclusion, when all has been heard, is:  fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person.  For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.”  Ecclesiastes 12:13-14.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | May 7, 2024

“No evil dwells with You.” – “You hate all who do iniquity.”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Samuel chapter 5.

“Now the Philistines took the ark of God and brought it from Ebenezer to Ashdod.  Then the Philistines took the ark of God and brought it to the house of Dagon and set it by Dagon.  When the Ashdodites arose early the next morning, behold, Dagon had fallen on his face to the ground before the ark of the LORD.  So they took Dagon and set him in his place again.  But when they arose early the next morning, behold, Dagon had fallen on his face to the ground before the ark of the LORD.  And the head of Dagon and both the palms of his hands were cut off on the threshold;  only the trunk of Dagon was left to him.  Therefore neither the priests of Dagon nor all who enter Dagon’s house tread on the threshold of Dagon in Ashdod to this day.

Now the hand of the LORD was heavy on the Ashdodites, and He ravaged them and smote them with tumors, both Ashdod and its territories.  When the men of Ashdod saw that it was so, they said, “The ark of the God of Israel must not remain with us, for His hand is severe on us and on Dagon our god.”  So they sent and gathered all the lords of the Philistines to them and said, “What shall we do with the ark of the God of Israel?”  And they said, “Let the ark of the God of Israel be brought around to Gath.”  And they brought the ark of the God of Israel around.  After they had brought it around, the hand of the LORD was against the city with very great confusion;  and He smote the men of the city, both young and old, so that tumors broke out on them.  So they sent the ark of God to Ekron.  And as the ark of God came to Ekron the Ekronites cried out, saying, “They have brought the ark of the God of Israel around to us, to kill us and our people.”  They sent therefore and gathered all the lords of the Philistines and said, “Send away the ark of the God of Israel, and let it return to its own place, so that it will not kill us and our people.”  For there was a deadly confusion throughout the city;  the hand of God was very heavy there.  And the men who did not die were smitten with tumors and the cry of the city went up to heaven.”  1 Samuel chapter 5.

—————–

“The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked,
But He blesses the dwelling of the righteous.” Proverbs 3:33.

“The wicked are overthrown and are no more,
But the house of the righteous will stand.” Proverbs 12:7.

“God is a righteous judge,
And a God who has indignation every day.” Psalm 7:11.

“4 For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness;
No evil dwells with You.
5 The boastful shall not stand before Your eyes;
You hate all who do iniquity.
6 You destroy those who speak falsehood;
The LORD abhors the man of bloodshed and deceit.” Psalm 5:4-6.

“Upon the wicked He will rain snares;
Fire and brimstone and burning wind will be the portion of their cup.” Psalm 11:6.

“6 A senseless man has no knowledge,
Nor does a stupid man understand this:
7 That when the wicked sprouted up like grass
And all who did iniquity flourished,
It was only that they might be destroyed forevermore.
8 But You, O LORD, are on high forever.
9 For, behold, Your enemies, O LORD,
For, behold, Your enemies will perish;
All who do iniquity will be scattered.” Psalm 92:6-9.

“Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?  Do not be deceived;  neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.”  1 Corinthians 6:9-10.  

But, there is hope!

In the very next verse to the above-stated 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, we read the following.   

“Such were some of you;  but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.”  1 Corinthians 6:11.

By the forgiveness and the lovingkindness of the LORD, we can be in the presence of the LORD. 

“In the year of King Uzziah’s death I saw the LORD sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple.  Seraphim stood above Him, each having six wings:  with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew.  And one called out to another and said,

“Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts,
The whole earth is full of His glory.”

And the foundations of the thresholds trembled at the voice of him who called out, while the temple was filling with smoke. Then I said,

“Woe is me, for I am ruined!
Because I am a man of unclean lips,
And I live among a people of unclean lips;
For my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.”

Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal in his hand, which he had taken from the altar with tongs.  He touched my mouth with it and said, “Behold, this has touched your lips;  and your iniquity is taken away and your sin is forgiven.”  Isaiah 6:1-7.

In the very next verse to the above-stated Psalm 5:4-6, we read the following.   

“But as for me, by Your abundant lovingkindness I will enter Your house,
At Your holy temple I will bow in reverence for You.” Psalm 5:7.

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